Los Angeles Dodgers top pitching performances in history

Clayton Kershaw gets sports drink dumped on him by Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp after he throws a no hitter. The Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 8-0 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. 6/18/2014(Photo by John McCoy Daily News)

By Tony Ciniglio

tony.ciniglio@langnews.com

1. Sandy Koufax’s perfect game: On Sept. 9, 1965, the legendary Koufax threw a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs to build on top of the three previous no-hitters in his epic career. Remains the franchise’s iconic regular-season moment.

3. Clayton Kershaw’s no-no, June 18, 2014: No-hitter against the Colorado Rockies. 15 strikeouts, no walks. Only one error. Statistically as good as any singular pitching performance in MLB history.

4. Fernando-mania: Fernando Valenzuela won his first eight career starts of the 1981 campaign and capped Cy Young/Rookie of the Year season with a gutsy win against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series.

5. Eric Gagne: Game Over. The closer went 84 for 84 in save opportunities in 2003 and 2004. An imposing stretch.

Honorable mention: Hideo Nomo’s no-hitter at pre-humidor Coors Field on Sept. 17, 1996; Ramon Martinez’s 18-strikeout performance against the Atlanta Braves on June 4, 1990; Bill Singer’s no-hitter with no walks on July 20, 1970; Jerry Ruess’ no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants in 1980.